WhatsApp or ICQ: compare messaging apps | Social networks

ICQ, a pioneer in instant communication software and a famous messenger of the 2000s, gained a new look this April. A forerunner of services like WhatsApp, the refurbished service is available for free on several digital platforms, such as Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iPhone (iOS), in addition to the web version. With the redesign of the app, ICQ now has a new interface and visual identity, in addition to the promise to keep working even on bad Internet connections.

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The so-called "ICQ New" also has synchronization between applications on different platforms, allowing the message history to be accessed equally on an iPhone and a Linux PC, for example. Check below a comparison between ICQ New and WhatsApp, the most used messenger in the world, and see the main differences and similarities between the services.

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ICQ or WhatsApp: compare messaging apps Photo: Clara Fabro / dnetc

ICQ or WhatsApp: compare messaging apps Photo: Clara Fabro / dnetc

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WhatsApp the most used messaging app in the world Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc

WhatsApp the most used messaging app in the world Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc

Both WhatsApp and ICQ New are instant messaging applications that include traditional text message conversations, in addition to voice clips, video calls, calls via Wi-Fi or mobile network and the creation of groups.

As much as the functions are the same, ICQ New brings some differentiated actions, such as the automatic transcription of audio sent in voice clips. In video calls, the app still allows the use of filters, and group video calls can be accessed by 30 people, unlike WhatsApp, which accepts only four people.

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WhatsApp or ICQ? Find out which is the best messaging app for you Photo: Divulgao / ICQ

WhatsApp or ICQ? Find out which is the best messaging app for you Photo: Divulgao / ICQ

Another difference is the maximum number of contacts that can be added to groups. WhatsApp allows groups of a maximum of 256 participants, while ICQ New allows the creation of groups with more than 25 thousand people. Another highlight of ICQ New is that it does not display phone numbers of group members, unlike WhatsApp.

2. Availability on platforms

Before the app was reformulated, ICQ already had availability on different platforms in previous versions, in addition to access via the web. ICQ New maintains compatibility with Windows, Linux and macOS systems for desktops, and can be found in the Google Play Store and App Store virtual stores.

WhatsApp has a web version on PCs, in addition to applications for Windows and macOS desktops. The application is also available for Android and iPhone (iOS) phones.

3. Text chatting features

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Compare the features available on WhatsApp and ICQ New Photo: Reproduction / Clara Fabro

Compare the features available on WhatsApp and ICQ New Photo: Reproduction / Clara Fabro

The features of the two apps are very similar when it comes to text chat mode. Both have registered emojis, in addition to allowing the sending of stickers in chats. In ICQ New it is still possible to create polls, both in private conversations and in groups of many people, a relevant resource mainly for polling.

WhatsApp restricts the simultaneous sending of media to 30 files, which can vary between photos and videos. In ICQ New, there is no limit on the number of files that can be sent, in addition to the app providing the option of sending an "uncompressed" image, which maintains the original quality of the photo or video.

4. Video and audio calls

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ICQ promises calls with fast connection and even allows the use of filters Photo: Reproduo / Clara Fabro

ICQ promises calls with fast connection and even allows the use of filters Photo: Reproduo / Clara Fabro

WhatsApp allows group video calls, but limits the number to up to four participants. In ICQ New, that number rises to up to 30 participants. In addition, video calls on ICQ New appear to be lighter, and the app even allows you to add filters to video calls, which can be chosen and selected in a very similar way to Instagram Stories.

The app also promises quick connection connections, which are not "dialing" and which seem more stable. In addition, in the video calls made by ICQ New, the cell phone screen is divided in half, making it easier to view, unlike the video calls made by WhatsApp.

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"Interesting" tab allows you to find people, groups and channels Photo: Clara Fabro / dnetc

"Interesting" tab allows you to find people, groups and channels Photo: Clara Fabro / dnetc

ICQ New has a tab called "Interesting", which allows you to find channels to "subscribe" and different groups to "join". The main function of this tab is to connect people with common interests: channels and groups can have a specific theme, such as musical or art styles, for example.

ICQ New also uses bot systems, which seek to make life easier for the user, a resource available on the rival Telegram. One of them allows you to create stickers on the platform itself through photos sent to the bot in a private chat. Another interesting function is automatic audio transcription, which facilitates communication at times when it is not possible to listen to voice messages.

WhatsApp does not have similar features on its platform, but it does have the status function of WhatsApp Status, in which users can publish images and videos that are in the air for only 24 hours.

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WhatsApp status is the function of ephemeral publications of the messaging app Photo: Rodrigo Fernandes / dnetc

WhatsApp status is the function of ephemeral publications of the messaging app Photo: Rodrigo Fernandes / dnetc

WhatsApp is the most popular application in the world, which implies being well accepted by its users. ICQ New was very popular in the early 2000s and is now trying to rescue the old days by adapting to the expectations of today's users. The messengers have the same basic services, which are the messages sent in text, voice and audio and video calls.

However, ICQ New adds extra functions to these services, increasing the limit on the number of participants in groups and in video calls and adding the effects of filters, for example. In addition, ICQ New is showing promise for those who wish to meet new people through messaging applications, as it is able to connect people through groups and channels.

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